Chapter unfold

Everything comes to an end, either good or bad, and i am not sure which part shall i categorized my case. Past month, i was in Malaysia, then London, then liverpool. I've got introduced to a few friends in Liverpool, all of them are one and unique.

Just before we got to know each other much the next day i started my 25 days backpacking trip to both Spain and Portugal. Both was truly amazing and we did really came a long way, also managed to meet up 2 good spanish friend of mine, which concluded our trip with a bang! halfway through the backpacking, for some reason i amended my trip, delaying my arrival to denmark, and shorten my stay in london and pay another visit down to liverpool. It was a smart move i guess.

Now, im in Copenhagen, breathing in the air for the pass 3 hours, soaking up and telling myself. Hey! semester is starting, and you're in Denmark!.. I guess this one be one of my most emotional day in the year. Partly cause by my friends in liverpool who is finishing their summer programme. All heading home to Malaysia, able to enjoy the warm weather and the good foods, probably companion and of course the currency. And yet i m here yet to start my semester.. totally bugger.

The journey from Liverpool to London via couch wasn't a great idea after all. 6 hours of lonesome, mentally torturing journey, a great medium for thought to brew. I'm a brainer + thinker. My brain is way complex then the way my face look. stop judging. Thoughts were just rushing in one after another and i dunno where to begin. But its good to have nobody siting beside me, got all the space i want this time.

Another 2 hours journey to Stanstead airport, followed by 2 hours flight to Copenhagen. All about travelling in different medium, it takes it's toll, starting to wear myself out. I had to stuff myself with food even though im appetite-less, i'm still aware that i would arrive Copenhagen midnight and finding food would be tough in a stranger country.

Reaching Copenhagen, i was greeted by a strong gust as soon as the aircraft door opens up, for a second, it reminded me slightly about the weather in Liverpool, but got smacked real hard by reality, as i am all alone this time. Lips sealed, no chattering. Reaching a stranger place, more or less, people get nervous, i'm human. I got to me even more, when i remember i'm accomodation-less and very much depending on mutual trust. I'm suppose to meet a Couch host in a metro station. the "what-if?" questions start popping out.

Considering i reach earlier, i got the right to get slight worry about it , but a text cool me down "i'm at the station" . We meet and yeah, the feeling was close to home, i've got a bed tonight.

Rainy London

And 25 days had passed, concludes my trip hopping around Spain and Portugal. Ending my trip in London, being the connection hub to everywhere. Initially it was only gonna be London, then Denmark.. but mate managed to persuade me to head to Liverpool again before going off.

It was 37 degree in Granada, and after 12 hours of travelling

it's 15 degree in London.

It was sunny for the pass 25 days in Spain and Portugal, 

just on my first day in London,

it has been raining cats and dogs,

heavy rains and drizzling,

you name it, they've got it.

It was really hard for me to communicate in Spain - language barrier,

and now in London, everything seems so familiar,

the signs i can read,

the conversation i could understand.

It was only us travelling in Spain and Portugal, 

the two of us,

and now it's a huge packed,

non stop chattering, give and take.

A huge different. Moments, where i thought, where am i ? Is this real or a dream?i can feel raindrops on my skin, the temporary cold sensory shock, reaching somewhere deep within, as if, "re-aliving" my body.

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow and as much as i love rain, it annoys me that it gets my cloths wet. Otherwise i would  get rained,let rain beat upon my head with silver liquid drops. I have to escape. This gets me back on track, reminding things are happening, i would need to get myself ready for studies in D.

Maybe this is why i like london a lot, still as a traveller's perspective still (not resident, only been there 3 times and 9 days in total), i like the rain + the gloominess of the city maybe not the busy side; the dark, grey, dull sky, the cobblestone walkways, the idea of taking "tube", black taxi, double decker bus are very appealing to me.

When you are in London no matter how tall or confident you are, you always feel like a little fish in a big pond because of its size. Its busy and anonymous. I always tell this to my peers, walking in london street (not oxford street per say), makes me feel self worthy, constantly mindful of the fact that life itself is a wonder; that it's wondrous and worth being thankful for . I know, it's wierd.. i guess this is what i've grown to this few years also putting my fingers towards architecture theories learnt.

It's probably a phase, im pretty sure i'll hate london one day too.

Thoughts on a bus

Its the 16th day I'd been travelling now, and 19 days away from home, 13 more days before my 2nd semester commence in Denmark .

I am on my way to Lagos , down south in portugal heading to the beach for real tanning session. It's quite a long ride from lisbon - 4 hours. It's dark on the outside with road lights and car lights flashing here and about . Rumbling noise of the bus engine and local portugese chattering away. My travel companion has taken one of my shoulder as a head rest, leaving me very much immobilize for her comfort.

Dream a little dream by Michael buble is playing on my playlist roll, pink's song is playing on the background in the bus. The perfect moment to fuel myself with thoughts. Thinking, and grateful for the chance presented, travel companion that i could share moments with, someone i could share my knowledge with especially when stumbling into buildings like sagrada familia. Telling her bits and pieces why is it done this way and avoided. As much as i deny being an archi student, im already married to it. The experience from this travel I'm soaking it up fully like a sponge .

Its so much different that my past, previous trip where I go solo and lone. Although from times to times there were always lots of nagging from me,for being quite particular about certain stuff and you know what i, surprisingly am very much responsible when I'm traveling. Scolding away whenever something is not right which usually end with loud and thundering laughter among both us. No matter in the room, busy street or even small alleyway. Pretty sure the loud laughing like no one business on the busy street, would easily attract the term "fucking asians" :) But I do appreciate the companion, and the extra eye.

Thanks.

Porto

No offence to any Portuguese out there. I’ve mention to a few of my mates that Portugal would be one of the place I’m heading this trip. The response I got is always a why.. It makes so much more sense, since I am traveling around Spain and Portugal stone throw away .. why not stop by then?

My impression on Portugal is pretty good, considering I got a good mate staying here… , the element of surprise and what is offered is very much anticipated. I guess a lot of times; Portugal would feel like an underdog to be set alongside Spain.

Porto, was my very first stop in Portugal. I intended to walk around the city for just 1 day, but after the first day, this stunning city just deserves another day. Hence, my plan visiting the winery, vineyard was canceled. ( Duoro Valley, Pinhao )

Porto’s dual nature presents travelers with rewarding opportunities to see both side of the coin… from walking around narrow medieval alleyways, looking up are residents hanging their laundry; extravagant baroque church with rococo style interior.. Exterior decorated with blue tiles drawing which are absolutely stunning to see. It’s a treat to the eye, wandering around the residential area and able to enjoy different tiles patterns and colour.

Porto’s old world river frontage district is a world heritage site, the picturesque Riberia district that lies along the waterfront are awesome hangouts, great bridges spanning across the Duoro river to Vila Nova de Gaia is the home to port wine lodges. Port wine lodges like Taylor’s and etc, offer free tours around and also free tasting. What could top that off? Definitely learn a lot more about wine, the process and the care of a wine . It’s my first time visiting, and leaving more knowledgeable.

Generally speaking, Porto city is small enough to be travel by foot and the lively citys clings to the north bank of the Duoro river, and the south bank is full off port wine lodges, as mentioned earlier.

To be honest, I never expected Porto to be that vibrant, assuming it’s just another metropolitan city.. My bad. It’s somewhat a nice city to do lazy walk around even though the city being rather hilly, still manage to stumble upon many many surprises, somewhat picturesque and friendly.. Compare Porto and Spain, i kinda think that their English language is much better than them, or maybe I was just lucky to always being able to talk with people who speak English.

Porto, is defintely a worthwhile place to visit, despite being a big city. A good 2 days for a relaxing walkabout, a tight one day tour would be fine. =)

Pastel de nata

Always embracing my sweet tooth, touching down in the first city in Portugal. The first thing that came up on my mind is EGG TART then the grapes. It was a 4 hr journey all the way from Santiago de compostela, ride was pleasant... and thank god there is air conditioning in the bus.

Porto, is the city which took up 2 days of my whole trip. Having all the luggage put in places, no problem in the checking in. The next Q i asked the reception was :" Any recommendation for good EGG TARTS??" yes my eyes came alive, almost shimmering like how anime characters' eye enlarged when they got excited.

R : air tuck?
Me : no Egg tart ( still slightly hopping around)
R: er.. huh??
Me : Yellow, EGGGG with black black burn bitssss (slightly annoyed)
R: Pastel de nata? (start googling image )
ME : YEAH! Thats it!
R: Why do u guys call it egg tart?

the pasty

Add caption

Now i've learned, they don't call it egg tart! A Pastel de nata is a Portuguese egg tart pastry. Something really close to my heart. Still remember the first time i tried it, when i was in primary school. Sold in Southern bakery , right beside the Gk supermarket by the roundabout. If you're not a Miri-an... u could just ignore this part.

from left to right, some bacon-cheese-bread layered stuff, strawberry cream tart, egg tart, nuts tart.

there u go, a cut up Pastel del nata

I remember the pastry flakes in my mouth, custards melt on my tongue, both texture mixed up in the mouth is amazing. So as you can see the expectation is really high especially coming from Portugal ! So we were lead to this pastry shop where we order quite a bunch of weird looking stuff to share. The first cut into the "egg tart" was a dismay... i don't recall the base pastry to be that thin.. and i don't see flakes flaking ... My first bite into it was another let down... overpoweringly sweet custard has ruining my palette ... =( had to wash it down with the watermelon tea i've ordered.... Very much disappointed and coming from Porto's pastry

4 side mirror  interior

Then i insisted, we order the wrong egg tart, the egg start aren't suppose to be that huge... tBought a smaller version one. As expected, another big disappointment. It's my first WTF moment in 10 days of travel and hopefully pastel de nata in Lisbon would do it justice.. otherwise it would be like a undone task that will haunt me for the rest of my life T_T and yes i am that big of a fan when it comes to egg tarts. 

#2 attempt ... still no good

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Currently i'm in Santiago de Compostela, which is situated north west of spain. It's famous for being the ending point of the pilgrimage way, Camino de santiago. The Camino de Santiago de Compostela, also known in English as The Way of St James, is a collection of old pilgrimage routes which cover all Europe. They all have Santiago de Compostela in north west Spain as their final destination. For more than 1000 years pilgrims have been walking along the Camino de Santiago.

Something i am interested to do when later but not now. The excitement, the thought of having the lone walk, just yourself, the sore leg, blue skies and the sun for a whole 3 months! to me, it's thrilling to others it's stupid =p.. Well It's the food for the soul innit.

I'm amazed by the way this community work here. They entertain their citizen really well i must say. All the shows they put up for the kids every evening (at least all the evening when i'm there) right in front of the fountain is amazing. They were not pushy when it comes to donation and all, but all the effort put in is commemorable!

Beside that, at night, almost everynight there is a live performance show by a band in random places, could be in a plaza or in an alley way paired up with a bar. It's exciting to go out 11pm at night stand outside of the hostel, close ur eye and follow the music! To top everything off, the weather is superb! chilly and bearable... nobody wants to be sticky at night!! Music were very soulful, entertaining, and upbeat.

The first night's show was put up in a plaza with steps. There was a small platform, stage for performing and the steps were the seating . It started with some light tempo music, where people would groove around with their body. finger clicking, wow-ing and clapping.. As the night proceed, people start walking down, shaking the booty and dancing. Don't get me wrong .. it's not clubbing like, more like cha-chaing together and bonding! the experience was absolutely amazing and close to the heart. The other great thing about it is.. It's absolutely FREE!

Today's performance was in an alley way, paired up with a chocolate bar. Seatings and cushion were provided and no pressure on whether u had an order with them or not. Another stellar performance! this time round, all spanish song were performed and we were included in the performance... the ambient and the interaction just put a big smile in our face.. The bam ba la bam ba la and the bam bam bam ... Can't be put in words.. i'm starting to love this place more and more !

Will post up the video soon =) Porto next!

Spain so far

Spain so far, 4 full days in Barcelona, Spain and not a disappointing one especially for an architecture student, Buildings that I’ve studied in text book came alive right before my eyes. Barcelona, full of Antoni Gaudi’s work, scattered around Barcelona’s city center definitely triple fold the value of Barcelona.

Attraction like Sagrada Familia, gave me goosebump when first sighted. Even with a friend that doesn’t really enjoy watching, let alone visit a building, always saying “building” in such a sarcastic manner says she got it to. The presence of Sagrada Familia is so dominant that, almost everybody couldn’t take their eyes off it. I was glad she enjoyed it too. This allows me to spend a full day in Sagrada Familia and I’m not complaining. The 14 euro student ticket was well worth in this case!

The other prominent work by Gaudi is Casa mila, Casa Batlo, and Park Guell. It’s also well worth a visit. All these attraction are worthly of it’s own post. SO be anticipated =) .

Spanish take their time, they enjoy their time, appreciate their break, taking everything easy and chill!!. It may take you awhile to adapt to this but meh it’s totally relaxing. They usually work from 9am-2pm, have a break then continue working from 5pm to late night. This in between time is siesta. Almost every time of the day, spill out café is packed with people, enjoying their pasta(pastry) and café. I’ve already consider the placed I’ve lived for 4 years slow paced.. but this definitely topped it.

Beach was packed with activities, people tanning, reading, volleyball and swimming! Life’s is very much beautiful in this context despite facing an economical crisis.

London

And yes it has been a few days in Europe already. Im only starting to blog my experience. So i've reached london, after an 8hrs wait in the terminal, and 14hr long haul flight all the way from KL. Siting beside a small english educated boy who fidgets every second after his computer die off.. I had to open up mine and played "Rango" for him.. and the movie suck big time...  London is just a stop over before heading to Liverpool and a flight to Barcelona.

Remember i mentioned about couchsurfing? i manage to arrange a host who generously offered me his place to stay and it's my first, going all cool with it. We only interacted less than 10 message, mainly important ones: address, time of arrival and such... and yes im not very much confident with all this thing.

i arrived london stanstead in a zombie like face as if i'm attending a halloween party. I feeled all winded up, dirty and smelly... I smsed the host and got no reply. boarded the couch to the city and thank god the coach offers free wifi! FREE wifi for the win. I start whatsapping and to no avail, i've got no reply still until the last 5 minute in the coach. Letting out a sigh of relief, and proceed to go his mansion.

the mansion

i was on the verge of walking away from it, the idea still scares me, with lots of "what if" question popping in my mind. Safety? Pranks? awkward? . i start telling few friends in europe what i am up to... at least they will know where i am at if something happen. i choose not to tell family about this coach surfing thing... im pretty sure they will be freaking out and rather pass me a few bucks to check into a proper accommodation. The place is an easy one to find.

the corner i find myself very comfy

the loo.

And thank god all went good. An avid tourist, a hiker fan like me, a peace lover, and very much a tennis lover ... we clicked and talked about travels, family, and traditions. Till now im still very grateful to be offered sleeping on a bed. It was all good and i left his place fully energize and rejuvenated. Another friend made.

orkid, dining room.

Jeonbokjuk 전복죽

Have you heard about women divers? They are only found in Korea and Japan. Women divers are symbols of Jeju Island. Women have dominated this profession because they are physically better suited for it than men; women possess a higher percentage of subcutaneous fat, which insulates them from cold, allowing a longer stay in the water.

The woman who dives for a living and catching marine products holds their breath for about 2 minutes at the depth of approximately over 10m below sea level. Most of the woman divers engaged at this kind of job since the age of 12 to 14 year old. Now, there are about 5600 woman divers in Jeju. It’s a rare job in Korea. I recommend tourists to see woman divers as they set foot in Jeju Island. It will be good opportunity, witnessing one of Korea’s cultural heritages.

This leads to why trying a seafood dish in jeju is a must in. In jeju, seafood are at it's freshest as it could be. One of the speciality is Jeonbokjuk 전복죽 (abalone porridge), a Jeju specialty made from abalone and white rice


We didn't know what and where is the best serve abalone porridge that's favour by the locals, never trust travel guide book. Thats what i always believe. With limited knowledge of korean language, i try to convey what i want as simple as possible.. asking a reception girl for recommendation.

ME: "JEon..bok..juk?" (wait for the reception to nod) .. put my thumbs up.. and shrug with a rich facial expression suggesting where.. remember frowning eyebrow is crucial! Task accomplished.. address obtained and it's decided that it's gonna be our breakfast tomoro .. sound rather porsche innit?


The things i like the most and never fail me is the Arrays of side dishes!!! with free refills and each have it's own distinctive taste and texture.. i could just die in heaven everytime..
As for the restaurant, it's pretty traditionally design and straight forward. It's bright, clean, neat and warm. Perfect to start off a great morning!


and finally the main! To be honest, it doesn't look that appetising in the first place.. i even wander where is the abalone... dun tell me they puree it! i would be furious.. I start digging in, and each bite i took it's like pulses of JEJU WAVE!!! and yes they have slices of abalone in it.. Am i exaggerating much here? but can u feel it! how yummy is it!

the only downside i could point out is , they could have done a better job in plating up, feed the eyes of the hunger. Despite that, it really doesn't take us long to finish off our porridge and had a good chat with the owner, the cook behind it.

Owner and theQings

I was impressed by her english, as we still managed to converse even with the limited english. With body language, we could understand most of it.. She start pointing bae yung joon's poster on the wall, and spotting the big big signature on the framed poster, we knew what she want to say. Claiming that He, bae yung joon, will defintely stop by every time he is in jeju. Gotta give it, cause if i were him, i would defintely come back for the next serving with every opputrunity given. The owner, always have a nice warm smile on her face, made us extremely comfortable dining in.


This is the address ive gotten from the recipient girl.. if u're heading to Jeju, maybe u could take a photo of this, ask the taxi driver to bring you to this place. trust me it's worth it!

costs : 15000w

They have a website!

Minto Cafe

It's winter and the temptation for you to hide or get yourself to warm up in any available cafe is blardy high. I have to admit, ever since traveling and studying in the western country. Getting myself slightly westernised the need/ habit to have a cup of coffee or something sweet is necessary. Not a much but preferable yes. It's always nice to get a cup of coffee or something sweet to satisfy the sweet tooth. Moreover, it's winter.. there are no more reason not to or don't head to any cafe.





We just had dinner, and wanting to find something sweet to flush the tasting bud. Stumble upon this cafe, it was kinda eerie and really quiet. Probably girl's fantasy and would be easily their favourite hang out spot. As we walk down the stairs. it's like the stairways to barbie land. It was pink, blinky, waiter and waitress dress like some anime character, that potentially would change into sailor moon if you piss them off.. Kick your butt on the moon's behalf. (kudos if u get it =p)

It's the Minto Communitas,and i just realise it could be found in Seoul as well.





What i really like about this cafe is, we were handed a cup of warm water once we go in. The service was really fast maybe because we were the only dinner. Arrays of food but we were here only for the warm beverages. Besides the services provided, the attention to detail, the coherency of all elements were pretty good. i mean i'm not a pro but at least it's comfortable to my eyes.

I appreciate the sofa covering, the vintage flower pattern , slight romanesque with all the english painting, slight picturesque with a bridge going over the middle of the restaurant, slight alice wonderland with the wooden horse hanging off the ceiling almost making space surreal and no to forget the blink blinks on the ceiling. Their electric bill each month must be rocket high, i dun even want to imagine.





Another big tick to drawing on my green tea latte =)!



I was also surprised by the array of spaces in this restaurant! HEY there is a wii room in there ! It's my first time i've seen this offered in a restaurant and ping pong tables? i'm sure my dad wouldn't mind spending his time here - a vivid ping pong fan.

HOWEVER! they knew this was coming, so they only allow ur stay to be 3 hours max =). smart move!

Definitely give it a go if u have the chance. relax urself n calm ur soul =p
Bye!

JJimJilBang 찜질방

A Jjim jil bang is an essential Korean experience. i never knew this culture or this thing going on until im there... it is a place that most Koreans go to with their friends and family or partner. It was often used for people to clean up and get over their hangovers before heading to work or home. I was introduced by my friend, Kim and also my fellow friend who knew this from all the Korean series that had been watching !



The first time at a jjim jil bang can be quite a baffling experience. The Korean sauna may seem a bit daunting if not outright surreal for the uninitiated foreigner. All around you are people wearing funny outfits (boys in blue, girls in pink) that make them look like they are members of a strange cult. Then they go inside these infernally hot rooms that look like dungeons and sit on potato sacks.

so why is it baffling? - u stripped naked , - bath together naked, - surrounded by lots of naked people bath together who care less how u look. I pretty much blend in well since im asian as well. ;0

A basic introduction about jimjilbang. Based on the one i went, there is 4 floors to the facility.

1st floor is the women's area,

2nd floors is the lobby / reception ,

3rd floors is the communal area.

4th floors is the male's area.

Male and female area is completely segregated for privacy issue. You wouldn't want to stumble a naked male/female in surprise would you? Basically there is 2 lockers 1 for ur shoes and the other one for ur belongings. After changing into the comfy wear they provide, you head off to the 3rd floor which is the communal area.

Thiss big common areas like a public living room with huge selection of facilities that could be used. there were TV room, Cinema room, Restaurant, Snacks bar, Computer for internet, Communal Saunas, and etc. depending on which Sauna u go . It's shared between the male and the female, where we would happily talk, play , munching snacks, and downing soju.

The heat of the sauna increases your circulation and makes you sweat profusely, it has a relaxing cathartic effect. Also increasesing your metabolism as well as helping to relieve shoulder, head and neck pain. It also improves skin quality and loosens stiff muscles.

After all the sweating and gossiping, it's time to freshen up. Heading back to your respective gender specified floor and enjoy the rest of the services to be offered.

In my male floor,
There are shower area, standing or on a stool and it's pretty normal seeing to guys scrubbing each others back although you may find it slight awkward. But make sure you do shower before jumping into the pools and no swimming suits in the pools! clothes are prohibited!

Do sit and relax in the pools thats shared with other people ( this is my awkward point, i have no idea what to do and where to look at, at this point... ) Pools are set in varied constant temperature, 15 ,25 ,37 ,45 ,60 degree... The process is more like going from medium hot, to hot then closing your pores by dipping yourself in the chilling water. It does make sense right?

The season i went to Korea was winter.. it's nice dipping yourself in a hot pool when outside is freeezing -10 degree, the hottest i've gone is 45 degree.. i tried going into 60 and went in too quickly, underestimating how hot 60 degree was. I absolutely created a scene in the peaceful, quiet environment, immediately jump out of the pool when my skin was in contact with the 60 degree hot pool... as if i am drowning in a knee height water level pool. RIDICULOUS -,-

If you are brave and don`t have sensitive skin, you can try the body scrub. Naked to the world, you will like down on a plastic table. Here, ajusshi will scrub you from head to toe with a special exfoliating glove. must say, never before have I seen so much dead skin come off the body. Definitely an awkward, shy moment for me as well cost me (16000w ).It is important to have u soak in hot so exfoliating skin would be easier later on..



That kinda conclude my trip to the first jimjilbang.. after the first, me and theQings went to jimjilbang ourselves, in different places like a pro. It is absolutely rejuvenating, and relaxing. Be warned tho! after a session in jimjilbang, u tend to be really lazy, and sleep. The qings slept almost the whole day after it. even me, i cant drag her out of the bed...

Every time I go to the sauna, I can`t help but notice all the strange body types walking around. Some men have strange scars or tatoo.... Some people have way too much hair in places where the sun don't shine. Then a fear strikes me. They must be scrutinizing me in the same way! But alas, there is no time to be shy at the sauna. Koreans have been bathing in public for ages and being naked together actually fosters a feeling of camaraderie.

Usually when I were ask, if i want to get naked and sit in a hot bath together, its a no straightaway. Then on second thought, im in Korea, it's a culture i have to experience, theQing doesn't mind.. CHOP! lets go ! Try not to look like an akward niddle school student as you now walk around naked. haha.. strong recommended and a must if u're heading to KOREA!

COST : 5000w - 20000w

P/s: theQings told me on their floor there are ever hairdresser, manicure pedicure, facial and all sorts!

Steps taken

Mug for rabbit cakery, South Korea

Could have been one of my most productive days after coming back from Oz. Managed to decide and bought the a new partner(camera) thats gonna embark his journey with me. He is one beauty but i have to say, when i hold it, i felt that i could easily squash him with my bare hands, a big NO to robust-ness, but i guess i shouldn't judge its robust-ness by it's solid-ness. Lets just hope he don't disappoint me at all.

There were countless of hour spend on ebay to suit and doll up the partner. Get him protected and presentable ;).
There were also countless hour on deciding whether to go London from Singapore or Malaysia. Price wise almost the same, however its never a great idea to reach a foreign country (London) at night. There are many things to consider then... safety, public transport, and accommodation. Decision is still to be made and status remains pending =s

Countless of hours went into finding a coach to surf as well. This is rather new to me. Many of u guys already heard about CoachSurfing. Basically it's a non-profit things, local people offering and hosting their place for you to stay. FOC. They voluntarily bring you around subject to availability, introduce you good food and places, exchange some cultural understanding as well. This time round, i would love to give it a go, never try never know. =) I'll definitely give a full review if i ever get the chance to surf a coach! Hope i dun chicken out!

Still a lot to do before travel and the list kept adding every single day!

About to

It's very rare when one is given a second bite, and yes i am the very fortunate one. Just 1 year ago(2010), i managed to earn myself a spot in doing an exchange programme to Poland for just 1 semester. This year, i once again gotten the spot to go for another exchange programme to Copenhagen, Denmark and do 1 semester of Master of Architecture there. I'm pretty sure this time round it would be different from my previous experience.

1 years ago, it was my first time heading to Europe, being the curious bunny,

i wanted to go everywhere, i want to explore everywhere, the mindset was "try to conquer as many part of europe as i can during that 4 month duration"

and thus neglecting the beautiful krakow. I still managed to do lazy, meaningless walk around krakow but not enough. Often Poland wouldn't be people's choice for a vacation or even a stop by. Trust me, it's ur loss. Thats probably the one thing i regret the most, of not achieving. I would love to mingle more in Kazimier, sip some coffee and watch passerby, eat more Zapiekanka and stuff myself with more pierogi or even potatoes.

Nonetheless, i am still very happy with all the travel i did for that semester alone. Looking back i can't believe i did that all myself and all the obstacle i encounter! Man, who was that guy? This time round my aims are:Try to explore what copenhagen have got to offer, Carefree and more outgoing in socializing. I tend to curl up in one corner, blame the smartphone giving me excuse not to interact. Blog more, travel moderately and study well. =) All the best.

OMW Back

Most of u guys heard bout the news. The volcanic ash from Chile has caused flight chaos across Australia causing thousands of people stranded! I am one of them, hoping to get my way to Melbourne from Sydney, and then catching an international flight from Melbourne to Brunei. It was pretty much a mess and too much to handle but still have to. There were cancellation of flights, changing time, much calling needed to be done. In this matter, my patience level dropped.

i even waited 80 minutes for the flight center to pick up my phone. Imagine being on hold for 80 minutes... Managed to "bitch" my way back and fortunate to be able to reach home. The flight was reschedule to 5am and i nearly missed it... Don blame me, everybody would be in their deep slumber except for passengers riding BI052 Boeing 777. I fall asleep while waiting by the gate and luckily the attendant wake me up to catch the flight.

Tell me about it. I was terrified. What if i really missed the flight =(. Boarded the plane, get comfortable, teared up the blankets packaging, have it wrapped around me legs and body, Positioned the pillow and sleeping we go =p. Woke up once in awhile to check out whats happening outside. What can i say.. i was kinda breath-taking.

.

.

.

.

.

.

-Landed-